Thank you, Guillermo. it's odd, but the novel seems to be better in my memory as the memorable aspects settle in and the rest slips away. Yes, indeed, Carker's flight and death are exceptional.

I believe the next (and only remaining) assignment is Joffre's selection, Mr. Palomar by Italo Calvino. After that, we'll have to select a new set. Is that correct, Joffre?

--Previous Message-- : Certainly, "Dombey and Son" is not the best of : Dickens's novels. Still, as I have said, I have a soft : spot for him and enjoy reading him. I agree with you : in basically all your opinions regarding this novel: : the moralizing parts take steam away from the : narrative; Florence is rather colorless (it would have : been nice to have seen her confront her father and : tell him a thing or two); little Paul's early death : hurts the plot, and so on. : : For me also, Edith and Mrs. Skewton are the best : characters, along with Carker the Manager. I think the : chapter on his flight and death could be an excellent : short story by itself. Regarding your questions, here : are my attempts at answers: : : 1. Alice and Carker. It seems that Carker seduced her, : forced her to committ some kind of robbery or fraud, : and then abandoned her to her judicial fate, and so : she's keen on revenge. : : 2. John Carker's crime seems to have consisted in : taking money from the firm (stealing). He was : pardoned, but as a punishment he was condemned to the : lowest rung of the firm and the constant reminding of : his crime amid the general slight of his companions. : He would be unable to find other employment, as Dombey : had the power to circulate his case around. He's also : a reminder on his brother that the family has been : dishonored. : : 3. This, however, does not stop Carker the Manager : from also stealing from his employer. He has done some : deals on the side, and now he tries to run away with : the beautiful Edith, who takes the chance to revenge : herself from both men. : : Or at least that's what I understood. : : What's our next assignment?